Skin salve for treating intertrigo

ABSTRACT

The subject patent discloses a method for treating intertrigo on the underside of a female breasts which comprises (1) applying a skin salve to the underside of the female breasts, wherein the female breasts are dry, and wherein the skin salve is comprised of (i) petrolatum, (ii) from 11 weight percent to 60 weight percent beeswax, and (iii) from 0.25 weight percent to 10 weight percent peppermint oil, wherein the skin salve has a viscosity at 25° C. which is within the range of 11 Pa·s to 15 Pa·s at a shear rate of 35 l/s, and (2) allowing the skin salve to remain in contact with female breasts for a period of at least 4 hours.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/452,009,filed on Aug. 5, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/286,582, filed on Oct. 1, 2008, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,795,735 B1, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/997,066, filed on Oct. 1, 2007. The teachings ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/452,009, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/286,582 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/997,066 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intertrigo is an unsightly inflammation of skin that typically developsat the site of body folds due to chafing of warm, moist skin. Ittypically causes discomfort in the form of itching and burning.Intertrigo usually occurs on the underside of the breasts of women andis more prevalent in the case of women having large breasts. However,intertrigo can also develop in other areas where body folds cause theskin to remain warm and moist for prolonged periods. For instance,intertrigo sometimes also develops on areas of the inner thighs, thearmpits, the underside of the belly, behind the ears, and the web spacesbetween the toes and fingers.

It is normally difficult to cure intertrigo or to alleviate itssymptoms. In fact, some people have continuously suffered fromintertrigo over a period of many years. There is accordingly a need fora simple, safe, and cost effective cure for this malady.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The skin salve of this invention is highly effective for utilization intreating intertrigo and a variety of other skin maladies, such asscabies, psoriasis and eczema. In general it is useful in the treatmentof most types of skin irritation and skin rashes.

The present invention more specifically discloses a skin salve that iscomprised of (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax, and (3) peppermint oil,wherein the beeswax is present in said salve at a level of at least 11weight percent. For most applications, it is desirable for the skinsalve of this invention to contain only (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax, and(3) peppermint oil. However, in some other cases it is desirable for theskin salve of this invention to consist of (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax,and (3) peppermint oil, and optionally mineral oil, grape seed oil,castor oil, one or more vegetable oils, glycerin, and vitamin E.

The subject invention also reveals a method for treating irritated skinwhich comprised topically applying a skin salve to the irritated skin,wherein the skin salve is comprised of (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax, and(3) peppermint oil, wherein the beeswax is present in said salve at alevel of at least 11 weight percent. The skin salve of this inventionwill typically be allowed to remain in contact with the irritated skinfor at least 4 hours, preferably at least 8 hours, and most preferablyat least 10 hours.

The present invention further discloses a method for treating intertrigoon the underside of female breasts which comprises (1) soaking thefemale breasts in warm water, (2) drying the female breasts, (3)applying the skin salve of claim 1 to the underside of the dried femalebreasts, and (3) allowing the skin salve to remain in contact withfemale breasts for a period of at least 4 hours.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The skin salve of this invention is a mixture of (1) petrolatum, (2)beeswax, and (3) peppermint oil. To attain the needed viscosity to behighly effective it is critical for the skin salve of this invention tocontain at least 11 weight percent of the beeswax. The skin salve ofthis invention will typically contain from 11 to 60 weight percentbeeswax. For most applications, it is desirable for the skin salve ofthis invention to contain only (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax, and (3)peppermint oil. However, in some other cases it is desirable for theskin salve of this invention to consist of (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax,and (3) peppermint oil, and (4) optionally mineral oil, grape seed oil,castor oil, one or more vegetable oils, glycerin, and vitamin E. In suchcases the amount of optional ingredients in addition to the (1)petrolatum, (2) beeswax, and (3) peppermint oil will total less than onepercent by weight, base upon the total weight of the salve. The totalamount of mineral oil, grape seed oil, castor oil, vegetable oils,glycerin, and vitamin E present in the salve will preferably total lessthan 0.025 weight percent of the total weight of the salve. The totalamount of mineral oil, grape seed oil, castor oil, vegetable oils,glycerin, and vitamin E present in the salve will more preferably totalless than 0.01 weight percent of the total weight of the salve. Thetotal amount of mineral oil, grape seed oil, castor oil, vegetable oils,glycerin, and vitamin E present in the salve will most preferably totalless than 0.001 weight percent of the total weight of the salve.

In one embodiment of this invention the skin salve is further comprisedof tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a very pale golden colored essentialoil that is recovered from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia trees.In this case the skin salve is comprised of (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax,(3) peppermint oil, and (4) tea tree oil. In still another embodiment ofthis invention the skin salve is comprised of (1) petrolatum, (2)beeswax, (3) peppermint oil, and (4) terpinen-4-ol. It is frequentlydesirable for the skin salve to consist of (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax,(3) peppermint oil, and (4) tea tree oil or terpinen-4-ol. However, theskin salve can consist of (1) petrolatum, (2) beeswax, (3) peppermintoil, (4) tea tree oil or terpinen-4-ol, and (5) optionally, mineral oil,grape seed oil, castor oil, one or more vegetable oils, glycerin, andvitamin E. The tea tree oil will typically be included in suchcompositions at a level which is within the range of 0.1 weight percentto 5 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the salve. The teatree oil will more typically be present in the salve at a level which iswithin the range of 0.25 weight percent to 2 weight percent and willpreferably be present at a level which is within the range of 0.5 weightpercent to 1 weight percent.

The skin salve of this invention can contain up to about 1 weightpercent of at least one oil selected from the group consisting of sheabutter, soy oil, almond oil, eucalyptus essential oil, olive oil,coconut oil, corn oil, caster oil, mineral oil, soybean oil, canola oil,rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil,safflower oil, rice bran oil, borage seed oil, syzigium aromaticum oil,hempseed oil, herring oil, cod-liver oil, salmon oil, flaxseed oil, rapeseed oil, evening primrose oil, rosehip oil, tea tree oil, melaleuca oiland jojova oil. However, the skin salve of this invention will typicallybe void of such oils. The skin salve of this invention can also containzinc oxide, boric acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and a paraffin wax.

The skin salve of this invention will typically be void of water andhydrophilic compounds. It is believed that ethyl alcohol, isopropylalcohol, n-propyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, tertiarybutyl alcohol, glycerin, lecithin, aloe extract, and lavender oilinterfere with the functionality of the skin salves of this invention.Accordingly, the skin salves of this invention are typically also voidof ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol,isobutyl alcohol, tertiary butyl alcohol, glycerin, lecithin, aloeextract, and lavender oil.

The skin salve of this invention will normally contain at least 0.25weight percent peppermint oil and typically contain from 0.25 weightpercent to 10 weight percent peppermint oil, based upon the total weightof the skin salve. The skin salve of this invention will more typicallycontain from 0.5 weight percent to 6 weight percent peppermint oil. Theskin salve of this invention will preferably contain from 1 weightpercent to 5 weight percent peppermint oil and will more preferablycontain from 1 weight percent to 3 weight percent peppermint oil. Theskin salve of this invention will most preferably contain from 1.2weight percent to 2 weight percent peppermint oil and will commonlycontain from 1.4 weight percent to 1.8 weight percent peppermint oil.

The skin salve of this invention will normally contain at least 0.25weight percent beeswax and typically contain from 11 weight percent to60 weight percent bees wax, based upon the total weight of the skinsalve. The skin salve of this invention will more typically contain from12 weight percent to 45 weight percent beeswax. The skin salve of thisinvention will generally contain from 12 weight percent to 30 weightpercent beeswax and will preferably contain from 12 weight percent to 20weight percent beeswax. The skin salve of this invention will morepreferably contain from 14 weight percent to 18 weight percent beeswaxand will most preferably contain from 16 weight percent to 18 weightpercent beeswax.

It is important for the skin salve of this invention to be of a highviscosity to attain the desired results. The beeswax will typically beincluded at a level which is sufficient to result in the skin salvehaving a viscosity at 25° C. which is within the range of 11 Pa·s to 15Pa·s at a shear rate of 35 l/s. The skin salve will preferably have aviscosity at 25° C. which is within the range of 12 Pa·s to 14 Pa·s at ashear rate of 35 l/s. The skin salve will more preferably have aviscosity at 25° C. that is within the range of 13.2 Pa·s to 13.8 Pa·sat a shear rate of 35 l/s. The skin salve will typically have aviscosity at 25° C. that is within the range of 8 Pa·s to 12 Pa·s at ashear rate of 50 l/s. The skin salve will preferably have a viscosity at25° C. which is within the range of 9 Pa·s to 11.5 Pa·s at a shear rateof 50 l/s. The skin salve will more preferably have a viscosity at 25°C. that is within the range of 10.2 Pa·s to 11.0 Pa·s at a shear rate of50 l/s. The skin salve will typically have a viscosity at 38° C. that iswithin the range of 2.0 Pa·s to 2.6 Pa·s at a shear rate of 35 l/s. Theskin salve will preferably have a viscosity at 38° C. which is withinthe range of 2.1 Pa·s to 2.5 Pa·s at a shear rate of 35 l/s. The skinsalve will more preferably have a viscosity at 38° C. that is within therange of 2.2 Pa·s to 2.4 Pa·s at a shear rate of 35 l/s. The skin salvewill typically have a viscosity at 50° C. that is within the range of0.200 Pa·s to 0.240 Pa·s at a shear rate of 50 l/s. The skin salve willpreferably have a viscosity at 50° C. which is within the range of 0.210Pa·s to 0.230 Pa·s at a shear rate of 50 l/s. The skin salve will morepreferably have a viscosity at 50° C. that is within the range of 0.215Pa·s to 0.220 Pa·s at a shear rate of 50 l/s.

The skin salve of this invention is made by simply mixing thepetrolatum, the beeswax, the peppermint oil and additional desiredingredients at an elevated temperature which is sufficient to melt thebeeswax. The mixing will be carried out until a uniform, homogeneousmixture is attained.

This invention is illustrated by the following examples that are merelyfor the purpose of illustration and are not to be regarded as limitingthe scope of the invention or the manner in which it can be practiced.Unless specifically indicated otherwise, parts and percentages are givenby weight.

EXAMPLE 1

In this experiment the skin salve of this invention was made by putting36 ounces of petroleum jelly, 7.4 ounces of beeswax, and 0.7 ounces ofpeppermint oil in an open pot. The pot was then heated to a temperaturethat was sufficient to completely melt the mixture of petroleum jelly,beeswax, and peppermint oil. Then the mixture was stirred while moltento attain a homogeneous mixture. Then the mixture was allowed to cool toambient temperature. After cooling the skin salve made was placed intosmall jars.

The viscosity of the skin salve made in this experiment was measured inan Anton Paar (Model Physica MCR 310) viscometer having a concentriccylinder shearing geometry which was operated under continuous shear(not rotating). Its viscosity at 25° C. was determined to be 13.4 Pa·sat a shear rate of 35 l/s and 10.6 Pa·s at a shear rate of 50 l/s. Itsviscosity at 38° C. was determined to be 2.32 Pa·s at a shear rate of 35l/s and 1.99 Pa·s at a shear rate of 50 l/s. Its viscosity at 50° C. wasdetermined to be 0.257 Pa·s at a shear rate of 35 l/s and 0.219 Pa·s ata shear rate of 50 l/s.

EXAMPLE 2

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a45 year old woman suffering from diabetes and intertrigo on theunderside of her breasts. The intertrigo had caused the skin to beinflamed, burned, and was raw in some areas. This skin condition waspainful and was aggravated by the patient's bra, heat, and sweat.Additionally, the intertrigo was an unsightly rash.

This patient had treated her intertrigo with a variety ofover-the-counter salves and powders without success. Additionally, thispatient had treated the intertrigo with isopropyl alcohol without anyrelief.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention whichwas made by the procedure described in Example 1 to the inflamed skinunder her breasts on two consecutive evenings after taking a bath. Thiscompletely alleviated the intertrigo. The skin under her breastsreturned to normal and no longer burned or caused any other type ofdiscomfort. This patient has remained free of intertrigo for over fourmonths without the need for reapplication of the skin salve of thisinvention.

EXAMPLE 3

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated onanother Caucasian woman suffering from diabetes and intertrigo on theunderside of her breasts. This woman was about 50 years of age and hadsuffered from intertrigo continuously for over 15 years. The intertrigohad caused the skin to be inflamed, burned, and was raw in some areas.This skin condition was painful and was aggravated by the patient's bra,heat, and sweat. Additionally, the intertrigo was an unsightly rash thathad caused scar tissue to develop over the years.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention whichwas made by the procedure described in Example 1 to the inflamed skinunder her breasts on two consecutive evenings after taking a bath. Thiscompletely alleviated the intertrigo. The skin under her breastsreturned to normal and no longer burned or caused any other type ofdiscomfort. However, the scars that had developed over the years as aresult of the intertrigo remained. This patient has been free ofintertrigo for over four months without the need for reapplication ofthe skin salve of this invention.

EXAMPLE 4

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated onanother Caucasian woman suffering from intertrigo on the underside ofher breasts. This woman was about 28 years of age and had suffered fromintertrigo continuously since her breasts developed as a teenager. Theintertrigo had caused the skin to be inflamed, burned, and was raw insome areas. This skin condition was painful and was aggravated by thepatient's bra, heat, and sweat. Additionally, the intertrigo was anunsightly rash that had caused scar tissue to develop over the years.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention whichwas made by the procedure described in Example 1 to the inflamed skinunder her breasts on one evening after taking a bath. This completelyalleviated the intertrigo. The skin under her breasts returned to normaland no longer burned or caused any other type of discomfort. However,the scars that had developed over the years as a result of theintertrigo remained. This patient has been free of intertrigo for overfour months without the need for reapplication of the skin salve of thisinvention.

EXAMPLE 5

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on anAfrican American woman suffering from intertrigo on the underside of herbreasts. This woman was about 48 years of age and had suffered fromintertrigo continuously for many months. The intertrigo had caused theskin to be inflamed, burned, and was raw in some areas. This skincondition was painful and was aggravated by the patient's bra, heat, andsweat.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention whichwas made by the procedure described in Example 1 to the inflamed skinunder her breasts on one evening after taking a bath. This completelyalleviated the intertrigo. The skin under her breasts returned to normaland no longer burned or caused any other type of discomfort. However,the scars that had developed over the years as a result of theintertrigo remained. This patient has been free of intertrigo for overfour months without the need for reapplication of the skin salve of thisinvention.

EXAMPLE 6

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on anAfrican American woman suffering from intertrigo on the underside of herbreasts and the underside of her belly. This woman was about 23 years ofage and had suffered from intertrigo continuously for many months. Theintertrigo had caused the skin to be inflamed, burned, and was raw insome areas. This skin condition was painful and was aggravated by thepatient's bra, heat, and sweat.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention whichwas made by the procedure described in Example 1 to the inflamed skinunder her breasts on one evening after taking a bath. This completelyalleviated the intertrigo under her breasts and under her belly. Theskin under her breasts and belly returned to normal and no longer burnedor caused any other type of discomfort. This patient has been free ofintertrigo for a month without the need for reapplication of the skinsalve of this invention.

EXAMPLE 7

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on anAfrican American woman suffering from intertrigo on the underside of herbreasts. This woman was about 65 years of age and had suffered fromintertrigo continuously for many months. The intertrigo had caused theskin to be inflamed, burned, and was raw in some areas. This skincondition was painful and was aggravated by the patient's bra, heat, andsweat.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention whichwas made by the procedure described in Example 1 to the inflamed skinunder her breasts on one evening after taking a bath. This completelyalleviated the intertrigo under her breasts. The skin under her breastsreturned to normal and no longer burned or caused any other type ofdiscomfort. This patient has been free of intertrigo for over threemonths without the need for reapplication of the skin salve of thisinvention.

EXAMPLE 8

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated onanother Caucasian woman suffering from intertrigo on the underside ofher breasts. This woman was about 35 years of age and had suffered fromintertrigo continuously for many months. The intertrigo had caused theskin to be inflamed, burned, and was raw in some areas. This skincondition was painful and was aggravated by the patient's bra, heat, andsweat. Additionally, the intertrigo was an unsightly rash that hadcaused scar tissue to develop over the years.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention whichwas made by the procedure described in Example 1 to the inflamed skinunder her breasts on two consecutive evenings after taking a bath. Thiscompletely alleviated the intertrigo. The skin under her breastsreturned to normal and no longer burned or caused any other type ofdiscomfort. This patient has been free of intertrigo for over threemonths without the need for reapplication of the skin salve of thisinvention.

EXAMPLE 9

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a 6year old boy suffering from a rash on his buttocks. The skin salve ofthis invention which was made by the procedure described in Example 1was applied to the skin rash on this patient after he was given a warmbath. This completely alleviated the rash. The young boy has remainedrash free for over three weeks without the need for reapplication of theskin salve of this invention.

This young boy also suffered from a painful skin lesion on bottom of hisear. The skin salve of this invention was also applied to this lesion onhis ear on three consecutive days. The lesion quickly healed.

EXAMPLE 10

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a21 month old African American baby suffering from a rash on his buttocksand eczema on the inside of his right arm. This baby has previously beentreated with prescription drugs dispensed by a physician. However, theprescription drugs were not effective and did not cure or alleviate thisskin rash or the eczema.

The skin salve of this invention which was made by the proceduredescribed in Example 1 was applied to the skin rash on this patient. Oneapplication of the skin salve of this invention completely alleviatedthe rash.

EXAMPLE 11

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a10 year old Caucasian boy suffering from an itchy skin rash in hiscrotch area. A salve containing 1.9 weight percent peppermint oil inpetroleum jelly was applied to the skin rash on two consecutive days.However, this did not cure or alleviate the itchy skin rash.

The skin salve of this invention which was made by the proceduredescribed in Example 1 was subsequently applied to the skin rash on thisyoung boy. This quickly and completely alleviated the itchy rash.

EXAMPLE 12

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a28 year old woman that was suffering from a spider bite. It was appliedto the skin of the woman in the area of the bite. This initially burned,but quickly provided lasting relief.

EXAMPLE 13

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a43 year old woman that was suffering from flea bites. It was applied tothe skin of the woman in the area of the bites. The application of theskin salve of this invention quickly provided lasting relief.

EXAMPLE 14

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a70 year old Caucasian woman that was diagnosed by a physician as havingscabies caused by parasitic mites and psoriasis. The woman also haddiabetes. Over nine months of treatment with prescription drugs was noteffective in curing or alleviating the scabies or psoriasis from whichthis woman was suffering.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention to thescabies/psoriasis inflamed skin once a day for a period of sixconsecutive days. This completely alleviated the scabies and psoriasisfrom which she was suffering.

EXAMPLE 15

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a45 year old obese man that was suffering from intertrigo on theunderside of his arms, belly, and crotch area. The intertrigo had causedthe skin to be inflamed, burned, and was raw in some areas. This skincondition was painful and unsightly.

This patient topically applied the skin salve of this invention to hisinflamed skin on one occasion. This completely alleviated theintertrigo. His skin returned to normal and no longer burned or causedany other type of discomfort.

EXAMPLE 16

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a47 year old woman that was suffering from intertrigo between her toes.The intertrigo had caused the skin to be inflamed and burned. Thispatient topically applied the skin salve of this invention to the skinbetween her toes on only one occasion. This completely alleviated theintertrigo.

EXAMPLE 17

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a48 year old woman that was suffering from intertrigo between her feet.The intertrigo had caused the skin to be inflamed and burned. Thispatient topically applied the skin salve of this invention to her feeton only one occasion. This completely alleviated the intertrigo.

EXAMPLE 18

In this experiment the skin salve made in Example 1 was evaluated on a45 year old woman that was suffering from outward hemorrhoids. Thispatient topically applied the skin salve of this invention to herhemorrhoids one time. This causes the burning, swelling and irritationassociated with the hemorrhoids to quickly dissipate and for thehemorrhoid to retract within a period of one day. However, thehemorrhoids returned in about one week after the initial application ofthe skin salve of this invention. The skin salve was then reapplied tothe hemorrhoids which again immediately dissipated along with theassociated burning, swelling and irritation. Accordingly, the skin salveof this invention offers immediate and effective relief for thetreatment of hemorrhoids.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown forthe purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparentto those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications canbe made therein without departing from the scope of the subjectinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating intertrigo on the undersideof a female breasts which comprises (1) applying a skin salve to theunderside of the female breasts, wherein the female breasts are dry, andwherein the skin salve is comprised of (i) petrolatum, (ii) from 11weight percent to 60 weight percent beeswax, and (iii) from 0.25 weightpercent to 10 weight percent peppermint oil, wherein the skin salve hasa viscosity at 25° C. which is within the range of 11 Pa·s to 15 Pa·s ata shear rate of 35 l/s, and (2) allowing the skin salve to remain incontact with female breasts for a period of at least 4 hours.
 2. Themethod as specified in claim 1 wherein the skin salve is void of water.3. The method as specified in claim 1 wherein the beeswax is present insaid salve at a level which is within the range of 12 weight percent to20 weight percent.
 4. The method as specified in claim 3 wherein thepeppermint oil is present in said salve at a level which is within therange of 1 weight percent to 3 weight percent.
 5. The method asspecified in claim 1 wherein the beeswax is present in said salve at alevel which is within the range of 14 weight percent to 18 weightpercent.
 6. The method as specified in claim 5 wherein the peppermintoil is present in said salve at a level which is within the range of 1.2weight percent to 2 weight percent.
 7. The method as specified in claim1 wherein the beeswax is present in said salve at a level which iswithin the range of 16 weight percent to 18 weight percent.
 8. Themethod as specified in claim 7 wherein the peppermint oil is present insaid salve at a level which is within the range of 1.4 weight percent to1.8 weight percent.
 9. The method as specified in claim 1 wherein saidskin salve is void of hydrophilic compounds.
 10. The method as specifiedin claim 1 wherein the skin salve consists of the petrolatum, the beeswax and the peppermint oil.
 11. The method as specified in claim 1wherein the skin salve consists of the petrolatum, the beeswax, thepeppermint oil, and the tee tree oil.
 12. The method as specified inclaim 1 wherein the skin salve is further comprised of tea tree oil. 13.A skin salve which is comprised of (1) petrolatum, (2) from 11 weightpercent to 60 weight percent beeswax, and (3) from 0.25 weight percentto 10 weight percent peppermint oil, wherein the skin salve has aviscosity at 25° C. which is within the range of 8 Pa·s to 12 Pa·s at ashear rate of 50 l/s.
 14. The skin salve as specified in claim 13wherein the beeswax is present in said salve at a level which is withinthe range of 12 weight percent to 20 weight percent.
 15. The skin salveas specified in claim 14 wherein the peppermint oil is present in saidsalve at a level which is within the range of 1 weight percent to 3weight percent.
 16. The skin salve as specified in claim 13 wherein thebeeswax is present in said salve at a level which is within the range of14 weight percent to 18 weight percent.
 17. The skin salve as specifiedin claim 16 wherein the peppermint oil is present in said salve at alevel which is within the range of 1.2 weight percent to 2 weightpercent.
 18. The skin salve as specified in claim 13 wherein the beeswaxis present in said salve at a level which is within the range of 16weight percent to 18 weight percent.
 19. The skin salve as specified inclaim 18 wherein the peppermint oil is present in said salve at a levelwhich is within the range of 1.4 weight percent to 1.8 weight percent.20. The skin salve as specified in claim 1 wherein said skin salve isvoid of water and hydrophilic compounds.